tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35642740471995883192009-12-12T17:37:34.581-08:00WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-28802984197684407002009-04-13T08:38:00.000-07:002009-04-13T20:59:16.435-07:00

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama officially opened the annual Easter Egg Roll Monday, calling it "one of the greatest White House traditions."Yesterday, the first family celebrated the resurrection of Christ at St. John's Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square where the president along with his wife and two daughters received Communion. There the Rev. Luis Leon preached on how Easter is a

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-14632328043676259652009-04-02T08:53:00.001-07:002009-04-02T08:59:41.495-07:00

I heard that the Farrelly brothers are planning to do a remake of the Three Stooges.  Apparently, the cast is pretty much set at this point.Now to the picture:  Pres Obama seems to be having way to much fun with G-20 BFFs Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi and Russian Pres. Dmitry Medvedev.  However, the situationally aware scuba diver will notice that Obama is giving the "thumb this dive" signal,

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-46334226252930581272009-03-27T09:24:00.000-07:002009-03-27T09:39:26.478-07:00

1.  The Obama regime wants to seize more businesses in the name of "economic security."2.  The Fed is printing another trillion or so dollars to cover this month's national Visa bill.3.  LCMS, Inc. still hasn't apologized for sicking their legal pit bulls on Todd & Co over the Issues, Etc. trademark.4.  My friends are arguing over wearing pink in Lent.Time for some serious bottom time.**Time at

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-65265195697456994362009-03-17T09:42:00.000-07:002009-03-17T09:52:54.119-07:00

Scott "Stand Firm" Diekmann is running a great one-year retrospective on the Issues, Etc. debacle this week complete with art, audio sound bytes, video clips, and guest bloggers including yours truly.  He's really done a great job bringing together the whole Issues, Etc. story.Check it out:  Stand Firm

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-90608566276900854752009-03-04T09:35:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:49:13.938-08:00

Well, it looks like our little pre-Lent Issues, Etc. flare-up has successfully been put down thanks to the efforts of attorney Henry B. Madsen, the legal beagle who sent the snarling pack of synodical pit bulls scurrying in retreat.  Mr. Madsen has a great analysis of what transpired over at the John the Steadfast site.  Take some time to admire the craft.The aftermath of the legal scrum seems to

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-23171760773709720412009-02-27T15:24:00.000-08:002009-02-27T18:43:57.359-08:00

Let me go on record from the outset - I generally like lawyers.  I admire their vocation, especially litigators and constitutional lawyers, albeit for different reasons.  Call me crazy, but I even enjoy jury duty as a chance to watch lawyers at work.  Maybe I'm biased because I know some good ones personally, but I like the way lawyers think, reason, work with evidence and the art of rhetoric.  I

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-11830046982348332292009-02-24T09:13:00.000-08:002009-02-24T09:47:54.590-08:00

I just signed yet another Issues, Etc. petition, and it got me to thinking, which is always dangerous. Three questions came to my mind.First, why the sudden interest in the trademark for Issues, Etc. on the part of LCMS, Inc.?  It wasn't interested enough in it to keep the paperwork current. It cancelled the show. Remember, it didn't fire the host and his producer. It cancelled the show. It

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-29017388028293111272009-02-21T12:33:00.001-08:002009-02-21T12:33:47.215-08:00

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-51607189599961705982009-02-11T14:03:00.001-08:002009-02-17T14:35:35.133-08:00

I come back from some serious bottom time (that's time underwater in diver parlance) and plan on having a nice quiet surface interval in the underground bunker, my manspace on the internet. I go to the fridge, crack a Shiner, and power up the bunker iMac that has pretty much sat idle since Issues, Etc. rose from the ashes of Holy Tuesday. Just for old times' sake, I surf a few favorite sites

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-85245697102192724552008-08-07T13:18:00.000-07:002008-08-07T13:34:19.400-07:00

I'll surface when I hit NDL on the tables (no decompression limit) or run out of air, whichever comes first. The nice thing about being underwater is that cell phones don't work and the synod can't find you.

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-75140162246584755462008-08-02T13:54:00.000-07:002008-08-02T14:10:47.460-07:00

A while ago, I ran a poll here on why Issues, Etc. was abruptly cancelled on March 18, Tuesday of Holy Week (lest we forget this).  Now you can hear Todd Wilken and Jeff Schwarz speak openly from their "insiders' perspective" on what happened behind the scenes in a web-only "Open Mic" edition of Issues, Etc at the iTunes Store.  No wonder the Synod tried to tie their severance package to a gag

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-85482888822949978392008-07-11T16:25:00.001-07:002008-07-12T16:16:49.243-07:00

You say you have a God problem?God isn't the problem.The problem is people wanting to be God. We reintroduce God.  We retrain people.  We are The God Whisperers.

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-32934083157012529172008-07-11T07:23:00.000-07:002008-12-09T08:51:06.748-08:00

I had a chance to drop by the studios of Pirate Christian Radio the other day. Unfortunately, I forget to take my camera along, or I would have posted some pictures of the mother ship and her crew. It's basically a tangle of power cords, mixing boards, and Macs. In other words, huge fun.In spite of the somewhat silly name, there's some serious theology happening on board ye old pirate ship.

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-85695920393559113382008-07-06T15:04:00.000-07:002008-07-06T15:44:45.799-07:00

Issues, Etc. came out with spinning wheels and burning rubber this week with a terrific A-list of guests. Here's the lineup from week one:Dr. Carl Fickenscher of Concordia Theological SeminaryJohn Green of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public LifeChuck Burge of the Presbyterian Lay CommitteeGreg Koukl of Stand to ReasonRev. William Weedon of St. Paul Lutheran Church-Hamel, ILRep. John ShimkusDr.

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-26719133599296055272008-07-05T22:01:00.000-07:002008-07-06T07:56:57.973-07:00

Having just returned from another terrific Higher Things youth conference in St. Louis (more about that later), I finally had a chance to listen to Issues, Etc. version 2.0 on Pirate Christian Radio. All I can say is "Wow! What a beginning!" Todd hasn't lost a step in his stride and all the old A-list guests are popping in for the inaugural party. The clarity of the broadcast and speed of the

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-37492440715418692982008-05-28T14:25:00.000-07:002008-05-28T14:29:13.948-07:00

Set your browser to: http://www.piratechristianradio.com/Turn your speakers on with the volume nice and loud."Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning."

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-88305068766674430392008-05-03T16:47:00.000-07:002008-05-04T17:02:03.193-07:00

Scott Diekmann over at Stand Firm has posted a fine summary of a paper written by the Rev. Wallace Schulz entitled "The LCMS - Its Past and Future". In this paper, written in April, 2007, the Rev. Schulz, former Lutheran Hour speaker and Vice-president of the Synod, and no stranger to controversy, sets forth a lengthy historical and theological analysis of how the LCMS got to be where it is

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-71636337466369366882008-05-01T10:13:00.001-07:002008-05-01T10:21:37.032-07:00

I can't think of a better way to illustrate how dissensions are used by God to bring to light those who are tested and worthy among us than the pastoral letter of the Rev. Herb Mueller, president of the Southern Illinois District. This is an outstanding example of pastoral leadership, honesty, transparency, and humility by one holding synodical office. I reprint it here in its entirety:The

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-74296666721351138392008-04-25T11:23:00.000-07:002008-04-26T07:27:42.736-07:00

Last week's epistle from the Council of Presidents stated that the devil takes delight in distracting divisions within our synod of churches. But is this necessarily true? Are divisions necessarily bad?Here's what the apostle Paul said to a divided congregation:But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For,

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-83398859645122630192008-04-24T22:32:00.000-07:002008-04-25T10:11:12.733-07:00

What is the 8th commandment?Answer: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.What does this mean?Answer: We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way (1943 version: "put the best construction on everything").In its letter

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-81391847733792487772008-04-24T10:01:00.000-07:002008-04-25T06:57:06.793-07:00

What is the fourth commandment?Answer: You shall honor your father and mother.What does this mean?Answer: We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.In its letter of April 22, the Council of Presidents (COP) indicates that the 4th commandment is the rationale for its unwllingness to

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-28515091762408388212008-04-23T18:24:00.000-07:002008-04-23T18:59:01.126-07:00

Searching through the print archives of Issues, Etc., I came across this piece of solid gold. The article is a classic by apologist attorney Craig Parton. Parton describes a new breed of pietist that has invaded the church. Though he doesn't use the term "seeker-sensitive," Parton's description fits perfectly the emergent seeker-sensitive pietism that is creeping into our churches. Perhaps

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-69092406529945057812008-04-21T08:59:00.001-07:002008-04-22T08:48:57.351-07:00

I am searching out some good critiques of the seeker-sensitivity that has so captivated portions of the LCMS including its leadership. Chris Rosebrough at Extreme Theology posted a great article back in February that deserves a careful reading, or a second reading if you've already read it. Chris writes:"The method of evangelism that these church planters are employing is to market to people in

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-52143706039627812072008-04-19T10:05:00.000-07:002008-04-19T10:05:32.320-07:00

In a Google search on Don Matzat, the first host of Issues, Etc., I found an excellent paper of his entitled "The Deformed Theology of Seeker-Sensitivity" originally published in Modern Reformation [Nov/Dec. (1997) vol 6:6]. It is as relevant today as it was 11 years ago. The following is an extended excerpt from a section headed "Sin Has Never Been Popular.""It is a gross fallacy to suggest

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564274047199588319.post-58171849639530334232008-04-18T10:33:00.000-07:002008-04-18T10:40:23.618-07:00

Hmmm. An earthquake epicentered outside of St. Louis one month to the day when Issues, Etc. was sacked. If I were Pat Robertson, I might wonder if this was a sign of God's judgment against the LCMS.But being from California, I recognize it is more likely just a slight adjustment of the old tectonic plates and a gentle reminder to fear the Lord. May the glory of the Lord endure for ever,

WM Cwirlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12317197804776939257wcwirla@gmail.com5